REUTERS/Atef Hassan
October saw U.S. combat-related deaths in Iraq at 8; November saw the number drop down to 6 combat-related deaths.
The difference between 8 and 6 are rather insignificant; and these numbers might go up and down again. But what is important is whether or not there’s a consistent pattern, trending in a positive direction here. And I do think we are on the right path.
Monday in Baghdad saw 30 more civilians killed as there are still elements within Iraq who wish to reignite sectarian violence and derail the democratization of Iraq:
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Blasts at Baghdad’s police academy and in the northern city of Mosul killed 30 people and wounded dozens more on Monday, hours after a roadside bomb wounded a senior Iraqi official, police said.
Violence has fallen sharply over the past year as successive security crackdowns dealt insurgent groups a heavy blow, but officials say militants are now concentrating their efforts on attention-grabbing attacks ahead of elections next year.
The attacks were likely aimed at reigniting sectarian bloodshed between minority Sunni Arabs who dominated Iraq under ex-dictator Saddam Hussein and Shi’ites who are now in control.
296 Iraqis died from violence last month; in October it was 238. Part of the rise in violence was related to the attempt by those who were not happy with the SOFA.
What’s ironic here, is that those opposed to any agreement to keep U.S. forces in Iraq, who want the U.S. and Coalition Forces out of Iraq NOW, are probably prolonging our presence there. You want us out of Iraq as soon as possible? Solution: Cease with the violence and sabotage of the budding Iraqi government.
REUTERS/Atef Hassan
And in related news….
CNN: “Eighteen would-be female suicide bombers turned themselves in to coalition forces in northern Iraq on Wednesday, according to a U.S. military statement. The women … gave themselves up after being persuaded by religious leaders and family members to cease their training in suicide operations and reconcile,’ the statement said.”
- “Preying on the vulnerabilities of these women is a hallmark [al Qaeda in Iraq] tactic, and today’s event should serve as an example for other women who find themselves in similar situations, showing them there is another way,” said the U.S. commander in northern Iraq, Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling.
- “The women were connected to al Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cells, but it was not clear where they had been training or operating.”
- “Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, said in October at the Pentagon that the insurgency, though fractured, is still alive … ‘There is still a desire by al Qaeda and other extremist groups to hold on to key areas. We have seen that most of all in Mosul.'” (Mike Mount ,”Would-Be Suicide Bombers Surrender In Iraq,” CNN, 11/26/08)
Multi-National Corps – Iraq: “The fact that so many potential women suicide bombers turned themselves in today shows remarkable solidarity and unity as the people of Iraq continue to turn the tide against Al Qaeda and their barbaric methods to terrorize the populace, said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling.”(Multi-National Corps – Iraq, Press Release, 11/27/08)
Hat tip: CJ
A former fetus, the “wordsmith from nantucket” was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1968. Adopted at birth, wordsmith grew up a military brat. He achieved his B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (graduating in the top 97% of his class), where he also competed rings for the UCLA mens gymnastics team. The events of 9/11 woke him from his political slumber and malaise. Currently a personal trainer and gymnastics coach.
The wordsmith has never been to Nantucket.
And in Afghanistan, which incoming Obama National Security Advisor called a “failure” also a dramatic drop in US deaths… Only ONE!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/8106659
Meanwhile, Obama’s hometown of Chicago and the Wal Mart in Hillary’s state of New York remain a kill zone.
it would be nice to bring all of our troops home asap, but we all know that our military will have a presence there for many years. when the terrorists realize that all of this killing accomplishes nothing except putting people in the grave. i am very proud of those women for turning themselves in, there is nothing that is worth your life except protecting your child.
Any significant coverage of this in the MSM? Didn’t think so. The left only cares about our soldiers when they can be used to undermine the war effort.
God bless our soldiers and bring them home safe.
I am a U.S. Soldier and I am against the war or terror becuase I know it is a BIG FRAUD..I HAVE PERSONALLY WITNESSED SOME FOUL PLAY AND I AM ABOUT TO SHOW EVERYBODY WHAT CHANGE IS REALLY LIKE….BARACK OBAMA HAS NOTHING ON ME..WATCH
Barry James Seawright,
this sounds like some sort of threat… what exactly are you planning?
Barry, you sound like a phony. Troll elswhere please.
Blast:
Don’t worry ’bout it. Ran a search on ‘Barry James Seawright’ and the impression I get (presuming he is the same person and did not grab this name out of thin air) is he is just another self-important narcissist with a super-ego probably of the same extreme as Obama’s. Barry states claims that he either is “God” or is “God’s Official” and that this means he can do whatever he wants.
Barry;
Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s a really bad idea to use your real name as a moniker?
ROFLOL….and what planet did you see this on BJS? Rank? Years of Service? Location? What are we supposed to just scurry because you say you’re up to something big? PUHLEEZE.
There is no Barry James Seawright who has served in OIF or OEF. And there is no one currently in the military with that name. I can respect different views after all this is the USA but know one has the right to say they have been there and this is how they feel when they have not. Don’t you dare say you are a US servicemen you haven’t earned that respect.
How can you win the war without, when you haven’t won the war with in your self?
Your self defeated until you learn that the source of alot of problems starts with your own mindset of how to get things done.
You can target anyone you want,
and pass the blame to them
But until you put your self in check
and look at your own heart,
you’ll never make ends meet like they ought to.
The human race is infected with a disease that techology can’t cure
science can’t create a solution for
A disease everyone knows about but ( man in all of his power and glory) and abilities can’t win against until he surrenders himself to the one whom he was created For.
The disease is ( SIN)
Its what cuts you off from your purpose for which you were created!
designed ability of which you were born for.
One can not serve them self and claim they got it right; they will serve sin… when its all said and done.
The one who your created for is the Lord God Almighty.
Jude 1:10
But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen to be acquainted with and do not understand; and whatever they do understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like irrational beasts–by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed (perish).
1 John 5:17
All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin which does not [involve] death [that may be repented of and forgiven].
1 John 1:7-9 (Amplified Bible)
7But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].
8If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts].
9If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
@Brittonator:
This is aimed at anti-war liberals and jihadists, right?
If you Read the whole context
its aimed at anyone who
wants to be self righteous
and be on top by them self
Anyone who is willing to examine their own
life for that matter, Not everyone is perfect.
I realize everyone is human and makes mistakes.
Yet when we acknowledge our mistakes
and humble our self…
Then we will make progress.
And Properly even though I spaced it into two parts ( both these go together as one)
How can you win the war without, when you haven’t won the war with in your self?
Your self defeated until you learn that the source of alot of problems starts with your own mindset of how to get things done.
You can target anyone you want,
and pass the blame to them
But until you put your self in check
and look at your own heart,
you’ll never make ends meet like they ought to.
Brittonator,
You should send a copy to Obama. He sure would need to read that… lol
And maybe one to Osama Bin Laden, also… lol
Can you trust anyone who is a sinner . No you cant. The bible was not written by God it was written by people. It is a moral guide. And thats good humanity needs that but if you take every word as fact thats up to you. Its a good thing we live in a day and age you don’t have to worry about being stoned to death for suggesting the earth is round.
Well I can tell you obviously didn’t really read the whole message hehe
And no you don’t get stoned today, but there are far worse methods of death
that are implimented
Say Death pentalty. etc
And While I won’t argue with anyone about the Word of God Being inspired by the HOly Ghost…
2 Timothy 3:15-17( if you want to look it up)
Just on a simple level if things where as you assume them to be
then the bible is just a ( Fairy-Tale)
Then why such reguard for the 10 Commandments?
Why such reguard for ( even the laws of the USA) ?
why would we even need structure in our society?
Anyhow If you actually take a moment to check the
original intent of what I was posting
you wouldn’t be so quick to point your finger at my using verses to bring my point across. (Which is) as long as people use their freedom
to license their own desires,
while never taking into account the wrongs and pain
and sufferings that others have to deal with at their dealings.
Yet if anyone challenges their right to make them suffer
they place before them all the laws they ( bended) or appealed
concerning their own situations.
IN other words…
It’s highly known that people can offend others and break the law in the name of their own agenda or freedom
to do what they want without complete reguard
for how this effects others or puts them into pain and suffering,
that perhaps no man can compensate for what was taken.
Except the man Jesus Christ.
Some strange follow-up posts to this thread.
The following may or may not be another, depending on one’s point of view.
The idea that the US military “will have a presence there for many years,” is unlikely, given that the Iraqis want us out immediately and the negotiated settlement, agreed to by the Bush administration, calls for a full withdrawal by the end of 2011. The acid test of what has been achieved in Iraq won’t be evident until 2016, or thereabouts. Former Reagan NSA Chief Lt. General William Odom repeatedly wrote that the ultimate outcome in Iraq would be the same, whether the US withdrew in 2005 or 2015.
Also in the news was the “six-month study by the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism, which Congress created last spring in keeping with one of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. ”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/29/AR2008112901921.html?hpid=moreheadlines
The real threats to the USA are not the odd car bomb, Mumbai-style commando attack, or even jetliner attacks on buildings, but rather true WMD, namely biological and nuclear weapons. The ultimate cost of the Iraq War (including future veterans benefits) shall have been on the order of three trillion dollars. It is difficult to see that this devotion of resources has done anything at all to protect the US from biological and nuclear attacks, while it has certainly motivated Islamic high rollers to contribute $millions to the cause of facilitating the acquisition of WMD for Jihad.
– Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach, CA
@Larry Weisenthal:
You got that right.
-wordsmith/semi-undisclosed location
@Brittonator:
Sorry. I’m mentally slow. I fail to see the relevance of what you’re comment has to do with the topic of the thread. Can you please connect the dots for me? I want to be spoon-fed the point.
@Larry Weisenthal:
You know? That might be. But had we done it in 2005, it would have been irresponsible, selfish in the worst way rather than in the best way, and it’s unlikely that a better government than the current one would be forming today. Iran, al Qaeda, Syria….it would have been a real bloodbath, for all the screaming anti-war activists have made about the present death tolls and casualties.
I think I’ve seen you cite Odom before, and I mentioned then that I disagree with him on everything he’s said, that I’ve seen, on Iraq.
Thanks for the WaPo article, as it’s an important issue worth discussion (perhaps its own thread).
But in bringing it up, how does it tie in with the topic of this post? Or in your statement regarding Odom’s view that leaving in 2005 or later makes no difference in the end?
Is there implication here that entering Iraq was a mistake to begin with, and there were no dangers of biological wmds?
Would we be safer if we hadn’t removed Saddam and attempted to resolve the 100 or so unresolved disarmament issues?
More from your WaPo link:
The last part only validates the Iraq invasion, for me.
We know that Saddam worked with Islamic terrorists. We know from the findings of the Iraq Survey Group and the Duelfer Report that Iraq was illegally up to its neck in biological weapons programs. And terrorists used as proxies are a perfect delivery system.
More from your WaPo:
So maybe we should cut back on other government programs (the converse of “more books, not bombs” mentality) and divert more to the area of defense against the next biological wmd attack? Bush Administration did what it could. Now let’s see the Obama Administration take the ball and carry it further down the field if it wants to be serious about national security.
wordsmith/from parts relatively unknown
@Larry Weisenthal:
Can you please defend the “3 trillion dollar” remark. I remember once looking up where that constant canard came from, but am too lazy now to research it.
From your own WaPo article:
And the Bush Administration has “done nothing” to keep us safe from biological/nuclear attacks? Where would we be today with Saddam and sons still in power?
You can argue the Administration hasn’t done enough in all areas. But it’s ridiculous, in my opinion, to say that he hasn’t implemented certain tools that have kept us safe for 7 years.
The Jihadists don’t need the Bush Administration as an excuse to trying to acquire wmd capabilities.
wordsmith/somewhere south of heaven
All of you stupid motherfuckers are lame…Why yall so worried about me, huh..I guess your scared right…But you are about to see who Barry James Seawright is you dumb ass lames….Im not part of no clans, no special anti U.S. groups, no terror groups..Ima grown man that has been to combat 4 times for you dumb asses that have no clue whats really going on..Stupid fucks…I hope yall have a bad life, and a bad christmas…Dummies..Haha..People nowadays are so idiotic
Merry Chrismas to you too Barry James Seawright!
Dude you are seriously messed up. For a “Ima grown man” you act like uizza moron, go grow a pair and come back and act like a man and not full of shit.
WELL FOR EVERYONE THAT IS COMMENTING ABOUT ME ON THIS DUMB ASS PAGE…I HOPE GOD INFLICTS PAIN AND SUFFERING ON YOU FOR THA REST OF your life….DO YA RESEARCH THA RIGHT WAY BEFORE YOU EVER SAY ANYTHANG IGNORANT IN YOUR LIFE AGAIN YOU DUMB ASS WHITE PEOPLE…YALL NEED TO GROW UP AND GET God IN YOUR LIFE…..YOU CAN CALL ME 407-371-5388, COME SEE ME 351 COUNTRY LANDING BLVD APOPKA, FLORIDA,GO ON MY MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/godssoulgas2009, WHATEVA..I SWEAR TO GOD ON MY LIFE SOUL MIND AND HEART I WILL MAKE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YER IGNORANT LIVES A DISASTER…NO GUNS, NO BOMBS, NO FIGHTING, BUT I CAN JUS THINK BAD THOUGHTS ABOUT WHOEVER YOU ARE AND YOU WILL FACE GOD….TRUST ME..SO KEEP ON TALKIN BOUT WHAT YOU DONT KNOW ABOUT…IM HERE 24/7…I NEVER SLEEP…………OH YEA WORD TO THA UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT..EVERYBODY THAT MATTERS KNOWS THAT YALL TRIED TO KILL ME, BUT ITS ALL GOOD..I HAD GOD ON MY SIDE STUPID FUCK ASS CRACKERS…IM NOT TALKIN TO ALL WHITE PEOPLE, BUT CERTAIN ONES AND TRUST ME GOD IS GOIN TO DEAL WIT THEM PERSONALLY…WHITE, BLACK,SPANISH, WHATEVA..YOU TURN ON GOD AND HE WILL DAMN SURE TURN ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HOLLA AT ME ANYTIME YOU FEEL LIKE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH….A MATTER OF FACT IF YOU WANT I WILL COME TO u
Does God approve of you typing in all CAPS like that with a potty mouth?
This is what happens, folks, when you hold things bottled up, letting your hurt feelings eat away at you for 6 months….and over what?
It took you 6 months of tossing and turning, losing sleep at night to finally return here with that brilliant bit of comeback rhetoric?
Gee….you sure put us in our place. Congratulations, genius!
@Wordsmith:
Surveying the quality of today’s commenters across the board it looks like someone kicked the top off the ant hill again.
I wonder if it might have something to do with topless pictures that were posted yesterday by an author who shall remain nameless.